Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories

Apple recommends using only accessories that Apple has certified and that come with the "Made for Apple" badge. Learn about the issues that counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories can cause and how to identify these accessories.

If you use a counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessory, you could see these issues:

Your iOS device could become damaged

The cable might be easily damaged

The connector end might fall off, get very hot, or might not fit properly into your device

You might not be able to sync or charge your device

Only Apple makes the USB-C to Lightning Cable. There are no "Made for Apple" USB-C to Lightning cables.

Compare packaging and writing on the cable

To identify counterfeit or uncertified cables and accessories, look carefully at the accessory's packaging and at the accessory itself. Certified third-party accessories have the MFi badge on their packaging:

Some accessories might have a previous version of the MFi badge:

An Apple Lightning to USB cable has "Designed by Apple in California" and either "Assembled in China," "Assembled in Vietnam," or "Indústria Brasileira" on the cable about seven inches from the USB connector. You'll see a 12-digit serial number at the end of this text.

A certified, third-party Lightning to USB cable usually has company branding on the Lightning-connector end.

Compare connectors and laser etchings

You can use the Lightning connector, USB connector, and laser etchings to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories. Compare the images below of certified Apple accessories and counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories. These are only a few counterfeit products. There are others.

Lightning to USB cable, Lightning-connector end

Here are examples of the Lightning-connector end of the Lightning to USB cable. The first three are Apple branded, the others are counterfeit or uncertified.

Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable

Single piece
Smooth
Rounded, smooth, gold- or silver-colored contacts

Width and length of Apple boot is consistent (7.7 mm x 12 mm)

Gray/metallic faceplate insert

Counterfeit or uncertified Lightning to USB cable

More than one piece
Rough or inconsistent finish
Squared contacts with an uneven surface

Varying width, length, or thickness

White or black faceplate insert

Lightning to USB cable, USB-connector end

Here are examples of the USB-connector end of the Lightning to USB cable. The first four are Apple branded, the next set are counterfeit or uncertified.

Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable

Interlocks on USB shell are trapezoidal
Interlocks are equally spaced from edge

USB contacts are gold-plated

USB surface is smooth and consistent
Surface of USB shell is flat

Surface of the insulator for the USB connection is uniform and flat

Counterfeit Lightning to USB cable

USB shell interlocks have right angles
Interlocks are inconsistently spaced

USB contacts are silver-plated

USB surface is rough or grainy
Surface of USB shell has a detent or retaining divot

Insulator for USB connection has notches or indents

Lightning to 30-pin Adapter

Here are examples of the Lightning to 30-pin Adapter. The first is Apple branded, the others are counterfeit.

Apple-branded Lightning to 30-pin Adapter

Icon for 30-pin dock connection is laser-etched and clear
The connection between adapter body and Lightning connector is flush

Counterfeit Lightning to Micro USB Adapter

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